Lewis-Lakin's achievements are Manchester's as well

Shawn Lewis-Lakin, the superintendent of Manchester Community Schools, is one of five finalists to be the next Royal Oak superintendent. While the prospect of Lewis-Lakin looking for employment elsewhere could be taken in a negative light, the honor that Royal Oak is bestowing upon Lewis-Lakin and Manchester Community Schools is nothing but positive.

For Lewis-Lakin to be chosen as one of the top five candidates out of 32 applicants, shows he's doing quite a few things right for Manchester Community Schools. With so many candidates to choose from, Lewis-Lakin obviously met, or excelled in, the majority of requirements for the position which included:

• Proven experience in school administration; superintendent,
• assistant superintendent or significant central office
• experience preferred.
• Doctorate degree preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in budget development and
• financial management.
• Be able to communicate with a wide variety of constituents.
• Consistently exhibits professional ethics.
• A collaborative leader who is visible and accessible to staff
• and community.
• Demonstrated experience in improving student achievement.

Lewis-Lakin also finished second, by a 4-3 vote, for the Northville Public Schools superintendent position in December. The interest from both of these school districts enforces the fact that Manchester schools are in good hands.

Sure, Lewis-Lakin might be chosen for the Royal Oak position, or another in the future, but change is good. These other districts see Lewis-Lakin's potential, and while it may sting a little to lose him, it also creates the opportunity for someone else to step in with fresh ideas.

So, let's cheer on Lewis-Lakin as he interviews with Royal Oak. The opportunity is not only attributed to his success, but that of that district as well.